Radio Jock Defamed Him on Air|After RNC ‘Tea Party,’ Man Says

CHICAGO (CN) – A black community activist says a radio talk show host defamed him on the air after he questioned Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele at a public “Tea Party.” Harold Davis claims Charles Butler falsely accused him of having a criminal record, of having served time in prison, of threatening to kill Butler, called him an “urban terrorist,” and said, “This is some nigger shit,” on Butler’s talk show, “The Other Side.”

Davis claims Butler broadcast the defamatory statements on his talk show on April 19 this year. In addition to Butler, Davis sued WVON 1690AM and Clear Channel Communication, in Cook County Court. Davis says the venom erupted from an RNC “Tea Party” in April, held at the WVON “Media Room” on Chicago’s South Side. He claims Butler, deciding Davis’ questions were not welcome, asked police to remove him. Davis claims the police found no reason to do so, and let him stay. Davis claims Butler responded by defaming him on the air, calling him and other young men “urban terrorists,” and falsely stating that Davis “receives federal grants.” He claims that Butler told a “prominent Chicago attorney” on the air that Davis had tried to kill him, that he had a criminal record, had been convicted of gun charges and had served time in jail. Davis claims Butler knew all these statements were false when he made them, and knew they would “damage plaintiff’s reputation and lessen economic opportunities.” Davis demands $250,000 for defamation, false light, emotional distress and economic interference, plus punitive damages. He is represented Phillip Aaron.